Lessons from the driver's seat
When running a business, you need to keep shifting gears to
avoid hitting speed bumps. Five business heads share what goes into keeping a
steady hand at the wheel while striving to reach the goal
Ravi Mariwala MD, Scientific Precision
“I remember the pre-GPS days.When I was a student, we would map
out the route and note down everything on yellow sticky notes. Even now,
for me, driving is all about planning. Being aware ahead of setting out, how you
plan to navigate the road to get to your destination. Companies are run in
similar fashion. Good drivers always listen to their cars. The car talks to
you. With advancements in technology, the car needs to be upgraded. Change is
evident in the lifecycle of the car and businesses.
When I'm interviewing some one for a job, a question that I
always ask is about how he/she came to the location. [I listen to] How they give
directions to reach the location. The answer gives a glimpse into the person's
clarity of thought. A strong sense of direction helps in driving and running
companies.“
Kaushal Dugar
Founder, Teabox
“While driving, one hopes to simply look straight ahead and
drive the car. But in India, you have to ensure that you have a complete
peripheral view. You can't be sure of what's going to hit you at one point.
Running a startup is similar. One doesn't knows which regulation will come out
of nowhere, leaving you to contend with the fallout.You have to be alert at all
times.
Everyone knows about the many potholes on our roads.W hen
navigating these, one ensures that the car is not damaged and, at the same
time, care is taken to avoid any collision.That's pretty much what steering a
company entails, protecting it at all costs.
Lastly, the road is full of bumps. One can't speed up,
literally and figuratively. It takes a long time to take the car [and the
company] from the smaller, inner lanes to the state highways and from there to
the national roads.“
Archit Gupta
Co-founder, ClearTax
“When driving, there is an illusion of being in control. But
that's not true. Just as one navigates the car on the basis of oncoming
traffic, so does an entrepreneur direct his venture.
Entrepreneurs love control but external factors don't always
allow that. On the road, there is aggression. The aim is to get from point A to
B in the fastest way possible. That's how running a business is sometimes.
Personally, when I drive, I don't plan the journey to the last
detail. I may have a broad idea, may be plan a couple of pit stops but that's
it. I don't believe in micro optimising. I enjoy a certain amount of surprise.
One can always course correct. That's exactly how I approach
running a business.“
Suresh
Narayanan CMD, Nestle India
“Speed without direction is as worthless as an arrow without a
target. I have always believed that for being an effective leader, you have to
learn to be fast in making decisions [even if they are wrong occasionally], cut
to the chase, focus on the core issues, objectives, people and purpose, and be
flexible to embrace one's own fallibility.
Also, accept the fact that the environment constantly changes,
forcing you to go with a Plan B.The relentless and disciplined practice of
these will make you and your organisation formidable, if that's what you seek.“
Ashish Goel
CEO, Urban Ladder
“Set an audacious goal and a big milestone for your company. Not
everyone will believe it can be done. But to be successful, you need to be
profitable and continue to grow robustly, while pushing the barriers of
innovation.
This reminds me of a famous Hindi couplet by Dushyant Kumar.
`Kaun kehta hai ki aasmaan mein suraakh ho nahin sakta, ek pathhar toh tabiyat
se uchhaalo yaaron. (Who says you can't put a hole in the sky; try throwing a
stone at it with conviction).' Ensure you get out of your comfort zone and take
complete ownership. Be accountable for everything you do. The learning and
thrill you will get out of this will be truly exhilarating.“.
masoom gupte , rashmi menon
Sep 05 2017 : The Economic Times (Mumbai)
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